Cartoon Network’s ‘Iyanu’ Set for African Debut on June 13
African animation is taking a historic leap forward as Iyanu: Child of Wonder, a new animated series by Cartoon Network, is set to premiere across Africa on June 13, 2025.
The much-anticipated show, based on the hit graphic novel by Nigerian creator Roye Okupe, will stream on Showmax in 44 countries across the continent.
Originally premiered in the United States on April 5, 2025, on Cartoon Network and later available for streaming on Max, Iyanu has already garnered critical acclaim and fan enthusiasm for its refreshing depiction of African mythology and storytelling.
Set in a reimagined version of Yorubaland, the series follows Iyanu, a teenage orphan who discovers her divine powers and destiny to save her homeland from an ancient evil force known as the Corrupt.
The story blends Yoruba mythology, futuristic technology, and universal themes such as courage, self-discovery, and empathy.
The series is based on the 2022 graphic novel Iyanu: Child of Wonder, which was written by Roye Okupe and illustrated by Godwin Akpan.
The project was developed by Lion Forge Entertainment, a Black-owned animation studio based in the U.S., in collaboration with Nigerian creatives and voice talent.
One of the key highlights of Iyanu is its all-African voice cast, which includes some of Nigeria’s most prominent actors:
• Adesua Etomi-Wellington voices the titular character, Iyanu.
• Blossom Chukwujekwu, Shaffy Bello, and Stella Damasus also lend their voices to key roles.
• Yemi Alade, the Grammy-winning Afropop singer, performs the show’s original theme song, “You Are.”
The show has been praised for its authenticity in both language and cultural representation.
With characters named after Yoruba deities and motifs drawn from African folklore, Iyanu marks a milestone in global animation for its unapologetic embrace of African heritage.
Due to its successful reception in the U.S., Iyanu has already been renewed for a second season. Additionally, two animated feature films set in the same universe are currently in development, with release dates expected in late 2025 and early 2026.
Roye Okupe, the series creator, expressed his excitement over the African launch:
“Iyanu is more than just an animation; it’s a movement. To see Nigerian stories being told on a global stage, in our own voices, is a dream come true. I’m thrilled that African audiences will finally get to see themselves as heroes in a high-quality animated adventure.”
With Iyanu, Cartoon Network becomes one of the first major Western children’s networks to showcase a fully African-themed animated series with African creative leadership.
The African debut is expected to attract millions of young viewers and potentially influence the animation industry’s growing interest in diverse narratives.
The series is already being used as an educational tool in schools to promote African literature, cultural identity, and storytelling traditions in modern media formats.
• Premiere Date in Africa: June 13, 2025
• Streaming Platform: Showmax
• Number of African Countries: 44
• Origin: Based on 2022 graphic novel by Roye Okupe
• Notable Voice Actors: Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Shaffy Bello, Blossom Chukwujekwu
• Theme Song: “You Are” by Yemi Alade
• Future Plans: Season 2 confirmed; two animated movies in development
